Multiple Conformations Of Ribosomal Precursor Rna

WE wish to propose an explanation for the heterogeneity shown1 by ribosomal precursor RNAs on gel electrophoresis. The clearest demonstration of this phenomenon is shown in Fig. 1. 32P-labelled RNA was eluted from single gel slices taken across the peak, and rerun in the presence of 3H-labelled marker. The 32P-RNA samples run in their original positions and not coincidentally with the marker, that is, the width of the peak does not result from diffusion alone.